Explore some of the commonly used words and phrases in preparation for this year’s Thanksgiving festivities to make an impression on your friends and family.
Thanksgiving stands as a significant holiday in the United States, bringing families together to commemorate American history and express gratitude for various blessings. This article delves into Thanksgiving quotes, terminology, and expressions, exploring the holiday’s origins, celebration dates, and interesting facts.
What is your English level?
Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our online test and receive your English certificate.
Thanksgiving words and phrases
Turkey Trot
Definition: An enjoyable long-distance run or race, often involving participants wearing turkey costumes, typically organized on or around Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
Example: Will you be joining the Turkey Trot this year?
Black Friday
Definition: Thanksgiving consistently occurs on the fourth Thursday of November, and the subsequent day is recognized as Black Friday. Stores globally lower prices on goods to attract customers, marking the initiation of Christmas shopping.
Example: I intend to purchase those shoes and that coat on Black Friday. It’s a great chance to acquire quality items at a more affordable price.
Cold turkey
Definition: To abruptly and completely cease doing something.
Example: Frank quit smoking cold turkey.
Gobble up
Definition:
1. To consume something quickly and eagerly, typically referring to eating.
2. To acquire, use, or occupy all of something.
Examples:
1. The delectable Thanksgiving feast was devoured promptly.
2. American shoppers swiftly purchased electronics in stores the day after Thanksgiving.
Cornucopia
Meaning:
1. An ample quantity or abundance of something.
2. A cornucopia, symbolizing abundance and nourishment, often represented as a large horn-shaped container overflowing with fruits, vegetables, flowers, or nuts.
3. A representative symbol of Thanksgiving Day in America.
Example: He was presented with a cornucopia of job opportunities.
Food coma
Definition: A condition of drowsiness experienced after consuming a substantial amount of food.
Example: We succumbed to a food coma after devouring all the meals.
Are you C1 Advanced English?
Get your C1 Advanced English certificate now!
✓ Add your certificate to your resume
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Sayings regarding Thanksgiving
Amidst all the cooking, feasting, and merrymaking, it’s simple to overlook the true essence of the Thanksgiving holiday season. Quotes offer an ideal prompt to remember the things for which we should be grateful.
The subsequent Thanksgiving quotes aid in contemplating the blessings that encompass us daily. You can incorporate them in cards or print them as part of your holiday decorations.
- “The thankful receiver reaps a bountiful harvest.” — William Blake
- “Thanksgiving is a time for unity and appreciation.” — Nigel Hamilton
- “Appreciate what you have, and you’ll find yourself with more. If you focus on what you lack, you’ll never have enough.” — Oprah Winfrey
- “Let’s recall that, given the much we’ve received, much is expected from us. True homage comes from the heart, not just the lips, and manifests in deeds.” — Theodore Roosevelt
- “If you’re truly grateful, what do you do? You share.” — W. Clement Stone
- “‘Thank you’ is the most profound prayer one can utter. I express extreme gratitude and humility through saying it frequently. It conveys understanding.” — Alice Walker
- “We should give thanks for all fortune, whether good or bad, as it cultivates patience, humility, contempt for the world, and hope for our eternal home.” — C.S. Lewis
- “Thanksgiving was never intended to be confined to a single day.” — Robert Caspar Lintner
- “Gratitude can turn ordinary days into thanksgivings, convert routine tasks into joy, and transform commonplace opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward
- “Repeatedly, I marvel at the blessings in my life; each year surpasses the last.” — Lawrence Welk
- “Thanksgiving dinners demand eighteen hours of preparation, only to be consumed in twelve minutes. Halftime breaks take twelve minutes. This is not a coincidence.” — Erma Bombeck”
When is Thanksgiving celebrated?
In the United States, Thanksgiving is observed on the final Thursday of November. While some believe this holiday is exclusive to the US, Canada also celebrates Thanksgiving in October.
The inaugural Canadian Thanksgiving took place in 1578 when Martin Frobisher, an English seaman, organized a celebration to express gratitude to God for his secure journey from England to Canada.
Utilize this article as a reference for Thanksgiving vocabulary and expressions, incorporating them into your practice this holiday season. Like any new English idioms and phrases, employing them in conversation is the key to retention. Additionally, consider sharing your preferred quotes with friends and family during the dinner table festivities this year.
What is your English level?
Find out your A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2 level of English with our online test and receive your English certificate.
I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.